Real Madrid are entering a critical week under Jose Mourinho with mounting problems on and off the pitch. The Portuguese manager is dealing with a significant defensive injury crisis, reports Goal, with Tchouameni among those unavailable ahead of Saturday's home fixture against Villarreal at the Bernabeu. That match carries extra weight given Madrid sit fourth in LaLiga with 15 points from seven games, just one point behind third-placed Real Betis, after a 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid in their last outing.

Mourinho's selection decisions are drawing scrutiny. He is reportedly weighing up dropping Vinicius Jr to the bench, as Goal revealed, with the Brazilian's recent dip in form a concern before the first El Clasico of the season. Kylian Mbappe is also being managed carefully following a knee injury, according to Goal, with Mourinho prioritising the Frenchman's fitness for that Barcelona showdown rather than risking him prematurely.

Defender Marc Cucurella has publicly backed the manager, urging patience and describing the adaptation to Mourinho's methods as a process, per Goal. That defence of the coaching staff reflects a squad still finding its rhythm under a new system. With Endrick also reportedly considering a January loan exit due to a lack of minutes, as Goal noted, the depth and morale of the squad are questions Mourinho must address quickly as the season reaches its first defining stretch.